February 2015-Flatimes

Saturday, 28 February 2015

Nigerians should ask APC leaders how they acquired private jets – Fani-Kayode

The director, media and publicity of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on Saturday called on Nigerians to ask the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders how they acquired their private jets.

Reacting to an allegation by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is planning to use the Aviation Ministry to ground the private jets belonging to senior members of the APC and frustrate the party’s campaign, Fani-Kayode said that it was interesting that APC has admitted, for the first time, that their leaders own private jets.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has given reasons why Boko Haram terrorists have attacked Yobe, Borno and Kano states despite the heavy depletion of their forces by invading federal forces.

The DSS expressed its opinion on February 27, 2015, in a statement signed by the deputy director on public relations, Marilyn Ogar, Leadership reports.

According to the statement, the insurgents are taking their anger out on hapless civilians and soft targets. Therefore, Mrs Ogar urged Nigerians to be security-conscious and watch out for suspicious people and movements.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu, (SAN), has backed a move by the Federal Government to deploy the military in next month’s general elections.

Daudu said due to the security challenges confronting the nation, it would not be out of place to station the military in strategic locations to forestall a possible breakdown of law and order.

Daudu spoke yesterday at an event held in his chambers in Abuja, in honour of the 2015 Externship Programme for students of the Nigerian Law School posted to his law offices in Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria.

Applauds Nigerians for supporting PDP

Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of the Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has expressed confidence that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan would be returned to power in the March 28 Presidential Elections.

"PDP will have a resounding victory. That is very clear” she told Niger Delta youths on Saturday in Asaba

Olejeme who sought the support of the young and old to make Nigeria great said President Jonathan would work closely with all Nigerians.

Baby boy ‘born with 3 functional eyes’ in Kano

Medical experts at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano are struggling to unravel the mystery behind the case of a baby boy born with three eyes, which are all functioning. But many are wondering whether the infant is a ‘special child’ or is deformed, Weekly Trust reports.

A peasant couple from Rano local government area of Kano State was recently delivered of a baby boy with an extra eye, raising serious questions as to how the third eye, which appears like a protrusion on the upper side of his left ear, came about. Doctors at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, say the third eye is as functional as the normal pair in terms of sight and sensitivity.

The Nigerian economy is an oil-dominated one and crude oil exports is a major source of revenue for the Nigerian government. However the sector has been hit below the belt by the recent fall in global oil prices, a development that could cripple the economy and unleash Armageddon.

Following this there has been several calls from various sectors of the country for government to diversify the economy by increasing its non-oil exports, a move many see will free the country from its current woes.

A new survey by Bloomberg in conjunction with New York-based financial Newswire service has predicted that Nigeria, China, the Philippines, Kenya, India and Indonesia will rank among the 10 fastest growing economies in world this year.

Nigeria with an expected growth rate of 4.9 per cent w sixth behind China (7 per cent), the Philippines (6.3 per cent), Kenya (6 per cent), India (5.5 per cent) and Indonesia (5.4 per cent).

In a list of 20 dominated by emerging economies in Asia and Africa, other fast growing economies include: Malaysia in seventh place, Peru, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kazakhstan, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.

Oil giant Exxon Mobil has according to ThisDayLive replaced by 104 per cent its 2014 production by adding proved oil and gas reserves totalling 1.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including a 162 per cent replacement ratio for crude oil and other liquids.

During 2014 the oil company added 3.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels to its resource base, driven primarily by resource additions in Nigeria Argentina, Canada, Tanzania and the US.

The additions include continued success in by-the-bit exploration discoveries, undeveloped resource additions and strategic acquisitions.

In the name of Transformation or Change

By Professor Patrick Omo-Osagie

Let me provide unsolicited advice to our leaders on the issue of sport or to be more specific football. My advice comes at a time when we are about to have a presidential election and little or nothing is said about sport. I understand that there are far more important issues affecting our nation than our not qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. We have education, health and infrastructure issues to deal with, so I really do not expect our major presidential candidates to focus on sport or football.

Football is the only sport that the federal government cares about; the Nigeria Football Federation is a government parastatal. The government allocates money directly to the football federation; it is in our yearly budget. That is why I would have loved to hear something about what the government will do to transform or change our sport and football fortunes. Transformation or change to our sport/ football will be the beginning of sports wisdom in Nigeria. Football gulps up all the money for sport in the system and this has to transform or change.

Claim of Tinubu’s plans designed to dampen Buhari’s success – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the sickening and outlandish claim by the Jonathan campaign Organization that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to become Vice President through the back door was designed to divert attention from the runaway success of the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, at the Chatham House in London last Thursday.

In a statement issued in London on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the PDP and the Jonathan Administration still do not have any answer to what has now become an epochal moment that has separated the wheat from the chaff.

”Our presidential candidate’s globally-acclaimed outing has presented Nigerians, and indeed the global community, with a choice between a bumbling, ineffective, incoherent, clueless, visionless and incompetent President and an assertive, knowledgeable, dignified, purposeful and principled President-in-waiting.

English Premier League Fixtures – Matchday 27

Fixtures:

Saturday 28 March, 2015

West Ham vs Crystal Palace 1:45pm

Burnley vs Swansea 4:00pm

Man Utd vs Sunderland 4:00pm

Newcastle vs Aston Villa 4:00pm

Stoke vs Hull 4:00pm

West Brom vs Southampton 4:00pm

Sunday 1 March, 2015

Liverpool vs Man City 1:00pm

Arsenal vs Everton 3:05pm

Capital One Cup Final

Chelsea vs Tottenham

Bomb scare at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos was a Drill [Photos]

News of a bomb scare at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, went round. However, it has now been confirmed that there is no cause for alarm. It was a drill on bomb scare response time.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, was assessing the capacity of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to respond to a bomb attack situation.

Social Media Analysis Of The 2015 Presidential Election

The upcoming presidential election is no doubt the current trending topic in Nigeria today and Impact Social, a company that specialises in analysis of social media and its impact on politics and policy has, over a four-day period, employed the use of a social media tool, which tracks every conversation, live. All Twitter, Facebook, blogs, 50 million websites, forums etc can be read by them.

Information is subsequently graded into Positive, Negative and Neutral to estimate the social media electorate’s view on the most mentioned candidates.

Find below the findings of the company’s recent research highlighting social media’s sentiments on the candidates representing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Leaders of Ndigbo resident in Lagos have confirmed that they were given money by President Goodluck Jonathan during his recent visit to the state to solicit for their support and votes.

This was made known by the former President of Ohaneze, Lagos State, and coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan Support Group, Dr Oliver Akabueze.

He said that the president solicited for their support and asked the leaders to mobilise Igbos in the state to vote for him.

A dress that strongly resembles the custom gown taken from Lupita Nyong'o's hotel room earlier this week has been recovered, a sheriff's official said on Friday.

Los Angeles sheriff's spokeswoman Nicole Nishida says the dress found on Friday afternoon at a West Hollywood hotel 'greatly resembles' the pearl-adorned Calvin Klein Collection by Francisco Costa dress Nyong'o wore to Sunday's Academy Awards.

Topic: A Praying Family [Saturday February 28, 2015]

“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” - James 5:16

Some years back, I had an experience with a little girl aged three. Without being told, she would kneel on the bed and mumble some words she and God only, could understand. When she’s through, she would sing in her understanding and then say, “In Jesus name we pray.” It was fun watching, because I was amazed a little girl would understand the need to pray.

I have also experienced situations where children pray out of the sincerity of their hearts for their parents and they get speedy answers from God. This is because they must have been taught at home that God would always answer when they pray. So, they hold much importance to prayer and God would always answer to their faith.

DCLM Daily Manna, Saturday February 28, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi - Not Your Background

Topic: Not Your Background

Text: John 1:46-51

Key Verse: “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46).

Cynicism has always been the problem of many a man. People pass comments on the basis of experience, history, tradition or philosophy. Thomas Didymus, a disciple of Jesus Christ fell into this problem of cynicism when he felt it was not possible for Jesus, whom he watched crucified and buried, to be alive again. So, when he was told that the Lord, the Master, had not only resurrected, but appeared before the disciples, he thought it was a fairy tale. He did not believe until Jesus reappeared at a meeting where Thomas was present.

Nazareth had been a small city. It was unthinkable that something good could come out from the place, let alone a unique personality of Jesus’ status. So, when he was told that the much-awaited Jesus had been found as was said in the law of Moses and the prophets, Nathanael expressed doubts. But one interesting thing about Nathanael’s kind of doubt is that it was not expressed out of disrespect for prophesy. He spoke out of confusion or mixed feelings of joy and consternation.

Topic: God Answers Prayers [Saturday February 28, 2015]

Memorise: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: - Matthew 7:7

Read: (Psalm 5:1-3 KJV)

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

10-year-old Nigerian girl Esther Okade accepted in UK University to study maths

Nigerian girl Esther Okade has been accepted to start her university degree at the tender age of ten.

The Walsall youngster is dividing her time between playing with her dolls and studying for an Open University maths degree.

But it should add up to success for numbers whizz Esther who became an undergraduate three weeks ago.

Coach Stephen Keshi has described as “a slave contract” what has been offered him to continue as Nigeria coach.

Keshi said he has received his new contract from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but has been far from impressed what has been offered him.

US actor Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr Spock in the cult sci-fi series Star Trek, has died at the age of 83 in Los Angeles, his family has said.

His son, Adam, said he died of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Friday morning.

Nimoy had a long career as both an actor and director.

However he was best known for his portrayal of the half-human, half-Vulcan character in both the TV franchise and series of films.

Mexico captures most wanted drug leader

Mexican authorities have captured the top leader of a major drug cartel, who has been wanted for years, Al Jazeera has learned.

Servando Gomez Martinez, also known as “La Tuta”, was reportedly captured on Friday in the city of Morelia, in Michoacan state, according to local media.

Al Jazeera’s John Holman, who is reporting from Mexico City, said that Martinez was arrested “without an incident.”

Our correspondent said Martinez is now being transferred to a detention centre in Mexico City.

He has been wanted by both Mexico and the US, and authorities have offered a reward of $2-million for his capture.

An E-market - The online shopping complex

The history of shopping first began as a simple trade between those who had some goods that the other did not have. After the introduction of the concept of “money”, the process of merchants selling their goods on streets began to appear. These were simple goods consisting of daily-use-household systems. Gradually, shopping began to comprise of trade in physical goods, as well as services. Street shopping got transferred to stores within brick walls resulting in the current malls and complexes; which are an entire world in themselves.

But shopping has evolved today more than physical barriers and locational constraints. It has occupied the digital space. Come to be known as Online Shopping, this trend has revolutionized the world of shopping-goers and merchants alike. This is the era of the internet and the options of e-commerce are growing even more, every minute! Retail stores, restaurants, finance companies and even manufacturers have jumped into this wagon.

Entrepreneurs need not fear the restrictions of space, personnel and investments anymore. Online shopping reaches people all across the world, in seconds! And also, it requires very less investment of money and personnel. The contact between merchants and consumers is more direct and frequent, removing any mid-way person or agent. Consumers on their part; can shop for anything or any service they wish for, straight from their couches. No traveling, no standing in lines and no hassles of salesmen anymore.

A baby stolen from her sleeping mother's arms shortly after birth has been found by the family through an astonishing coincidence 17 years later, South African police say.

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with kidnapping after pupils noticed a remarkable likeness between the 17-year-old and her younger biological sister, who started attending the same school this year.

DNA tests have confirmed that the older girl is the daughter of Celeste and Morne Nurse, who was snatched from Groote Schuur hospital as a three-day-old baby named Zephany in April 1997.

Prince Harry is "considering his options" over his military career and could choose to leave the Army to focus on charity work.

Kensington Palace would not comment on an Evening Standard report that the 30-year-old prince has decided to leave the armed forces later this year. But BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said that possibility was being considered.

A man arrested for allegedly attempting to rape his daughter in Ajeromi, Ifelodun local government area of Lagos State, has told the police that he wanted to test her virginíty.

The suspect, identified simply as Alex, was said to have attempted to rape his 15-year- old daughter, Agnes (not real name), in his apartment at Abiodun street, Ajegunle.

Alex was apprehended by his neighbours and handed over to the police at Ajegunle police station but was later released on bail at the weekend.

The models of toddlewood have recreated the best looks on the Oscars red carpet....

How to Survive Heart Attack Alone

You’re really tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly, you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to drag out into your arm and up in to your jaw. You are only about five km from the hospital nearest to your home.

Unfortunately, you don’t know if you’ll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.

Since many people are alone when they suffer heart attack without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

The #BringBackOurGirls group has hailed the Nigerian Army and President Goodluck Jonathan for showing examplary leadership by visiting some of the retaken villages of Baga and Mubi; which had been taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents earlier.

Speaking at the group’s sit-out yesterday, Oby Ezekwesili noted that the group, does not kick against the activities of the federal government and the security operatives rather, the group is for a change.

Update on Bobbi Kristina's Condition

According to a new report on TMZ, Bobbi Kristina is not getting better. She is still unresponsive, in a coma, and showing no signs of getting better.

Family sources tell TMZ ... stories that Bobbi Kristina is being taken out of her coma are not accurate. That the only change in treatment is that doctors tried weaning her off certain meds to see if she might react but nothing happened. She's in the same condition she's been in for weeks.

Canadian troops withdraw after Boko Haram attacks

Canadian special forces participating in military training in southeast Niger, near the border with Nigeria, were ordered to withdraw recently to avoid battling with Boko Haram Islamists, the military said Thursday.

The troops had been posted to the town of Diffa, where the government of Niger declared a state of emergency on February 11 following attacks in the region that borders Boko Haram’s stronghold in northeast Nigeria.

The Canadians are participating in US-sponsored counterterrorism training that started on February 16 and is due to wrap up on March 9.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senate caucus yesterday raised the alarm of a fresh plot by the Presidency to prevent the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega from superintending the general elections, slated for March 28 and April 11.

The polls were rescheduled from February 14 and 28 by INEC.

The senators, led by Minority Leader George Akume, addressed a Press conference where they alleged that the Head of Service of the Federation (HOS), Danladi Kifasi, would direct Jega to proceed on a pre-retirement leave next week.

MasterCard and Grooming Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in a move to extend electronic payment solutions to 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in semi-urban and rural parts of Nigeria.

According to a statement, MasterCard and Grooming Centre will also work with various financial institutions to roll out payment devices including mobile Point of Sale terminals, enabling these MSMEs to accept debit, prepaid and credit cards for the first time.

President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged that he would not disappoint Nigerians in the task of rendering quality services to the country if he is re-elected in the coming presidential election.

The President made the promise at the Aso Rock Villa when he had an interactive session with members of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumini Association, of which he is a member.

“I promise you that the day I leave office, you will be proud alumni of the UNIPORT. I will not disappoint you. I will not disappoint Nigerians.”

The ‘Yoruba Man Of The Decade’, Nigerian cleric T.B. Joshua has received a global acknowledgement by ‘The Society For The Recognition Of Famous People’.

The website which archives the lives of highly influential people in various spheres of life, the majority of whom are posthumously honoured, added Joshua’s biography to their list of world-renowned individuals.

Adultery is now legal in South Korea

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has struck down a 60-year-old statute outlawing adultery under which violators faced up to two years in prison.

The nine-member bench ruled by seven to two that the 1953 law was unconstitutional in a judgement handed down on Thursday.

“Even if adultery should be condemned as immoral, state power should not intervene in individuals’ private lives,” said presiding justice Park Han-Chul.

MASSOB launches Biafran currency, Vehicle number plates, Drivers Licence in South-East

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has launched new Biafran currency, number plates for vehicles and drivers’ licence for the people of the South East zone.

MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, who spoke through the organisation’s Information Coordinator for Onitsha, Mr. Charles Igbokwe, said the new Biafran number plates for vehicles, drivers’ licence and new currency were launched Friday, in a colourful ceremony in Owerri, Imo State capital.

By Noble Abe

I am appalled by the direction our dear country is going. A nation where honest men and women of integrity are vilified and denigrated while thieves and people of dubious character are celebrated and treated as heroes, is a nation that has lost its soul. It is now virtually a crime to live above board because you are looked down upon and called unprintable names, while murderers and robbers hold their heads high and are treated with utmost respect by society. Something is obviously wrong with this scenario and everything must be done to restore normalcy otherwise our future generation will likely live in a society that has lost all its moral values.

I am not a politician, but I am a friend of General Muhammadu Buhari and the things that have been said about this exceptional Nigerian will make the stomach of anyone who truly knows him sour. Nigerians cannot stand up to him when it comes to character and integrity. It therefore appalls me when people whose only credentials are that the Economic and Financial Crimes, Commission (EFCC) has stopped chasing them around because they know how to double speak now have the audacity and effrontery to question the character of a man like General Buhari.

Topic: Choosing a Life Partner [Friday February 27, 2015]

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” - Amos 3:3

From my studies, I have discovered that the basis upon which people make their choices of a life partner is multi-dimensional. It is based on the physical, emotional or intellectual, and spiritual. Once they sense a bond in any of these realms, they often times conclude that such a person would make a good companion.

While they are not totally wrong, choosing a life partner should not be based on just one of the above, but on the three dimensions. As important as the physical is, your choice should not be based on that alone, but should be most importantly spiritual, as well as intellectual.

DCLM Daily Manna, Friday February 27, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi - Earnest Intercessions

Topic: Earnest Intercessions [Friday February 27, 2015]

Text: Daniel 9:20-27

Key Verse: “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision” (Daniel 9:23).

The text today reveals a man, Daniel, who had a real burden for his people. He was concerned about the Jews who were in exile serving punishment for their sinful lifestyle.

Usually, the Jews used evening to offer sacrifice in their homeland. Now in Babylon, a strange land, they could not offer sacrifices to God. Daniel would use the period to pray based on the promise of God through Jeremiah that the Jews would return to Jerusalem after 70 years. The time was almost over as the next king would allow the people to return to Jerusalem. While he was praying, angel Gabriel came with the answer.

Topic: Wearing a Mask? [Friday February 27, 2015]

Memorise: Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. - Psalm 86:3

Read: (Psalm 88:1-9 KJV)

1 O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

Famous Nigerian author dies at 63

Malam Abubakar Gimba, an outstanding author, died yesterday at the Minna General Hospital, aged 63.

The cause of the death was his prolonged illness, Leadership reports.

To be mentioned, Gimba was born on March 10, 1952 in Nasarawa town of Lapai Emirate and obtained his first degree at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria with a BSc in Economics in 1974.Then he went to the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the USA 1976 for a Master degree. Besides, he subsequently attended the University of Bradford for a UK’s Project Planning Course on Infrastructure in 1982.

AUDIO: I'm as fit as a fiddle - Buhari on BBC

Nigeria‬'s presidential challenger, Buhari tells the BBC that he is fit as fiddle.

Adulterous Johannesburg couple stuck together after sleeping together [Pictured]

A Johannesburg man and an adulterous woman found themselves unable to separate from each other after having s*x in the woman’s home last Thursday, this is according to a report by SA’s Daily Sun. When the man and the married woman got stuck together, they screamed for help, attracting the attention of many people in the neighbourhood.

Read the full story from Daily Sun below...

The cheater had been warned: “Leave my wife alone! I have put special muthi in her punani.”But the cheaters again ignored the warning and ended up getting stuck together. They found themselves screaming for help, begging to be separated."

The rumour quickly spread that a cheating man had died after he got stuck in his lover’s punani. And a crowd of about 2,000 people gathered at Dena Court in Yeoville, Joburg.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation has described the appearance of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari at the Chatham House, London as a stage managed show of shame.

“We wonder whether General Buhari told his foreign audience whilst he was in London how much he loves Boko Haram. We wonder whether he told them that he once said that he believes that ‘an attack on Boko Haram is an attack on the north’ and that the Boko Haram terrorists should be appeased, pampered, resettled and paid allowances,” said Femi Fani- Kayode, Director, Media and Publicity of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation said.

NYSC member commits suicide over girlfriend

The body of a 26-year-old National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, member, identified as Ernest, was, Wednesday, recovered from his one room apartment after he reportedly took a poisonous substance.

Reports indicated that the young man, who was in love with a fellow NYSC member, Chioma Okewuru, went berserk when the girl came back from her village over the weekend with a ring from a man she had promised to marry.

Ernest, who is from Edo State and a graduate of the University of Benin, was posted to Cross River State in October, where he met and fell in love with Chioma, and both were serving in Redemption Secondary School, Ofombogha 1 in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has received information that Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), will be directed to proceed on terminal leave next week.

A statement by Adenike Lucas, Press Secretary, APC – UK Chapter, reads: “New plans to remove Professor Attahiru Jega has been revealed, today. It emerged today that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are planning to remove the INEC chairman by serving him a letter from the head of service directing him to proceed on terminal leave.

President Jonathan visited Maiduguri,Mubi and Baga to address troops fighting Boko Haram.

Parties tell INEC to Postpone Borno elections till Sept, 23

Twenty-three of the 28 political parties in Borno State on Thursday asked that elections should be postponed in the state till September this year.

They also suggested that an interim government should be put in place to run the affairs of the state on the expiration of the tenure of the present administration on May 29, 2015.

Addressing a press conference under the name, Inter Party Advisory Council, Borno State chapter, in Maiduguri, it’s chairman, Comrade Babagana Musa, showed the signatures of 23 party chairmen, some who were at the conference.

Rivers APC Alleges Its 30 Supporters Killed, says ‘We are now endangered species’

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that over its 30 supporters have been killed in the political violence that has rocked the State in the past few months. The party stated this in a press statement today, Thursday 26 February 2015.

“Our investigations showed that we have lost no fewer than 30 of our members and supporters in political attacks instigated in parts of the State by agents of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As painful as this is, we are miffed that no single arrest has been made by the police in connection with these politically-motivated killings calculated to intimidate and annihilate us a political party,” Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Davis Ibiamu Ikanya, said.

Leading online marketplace www.kaymu.com.ng has highlighted quality content as key to leveraging social media contacts for business purposes.

Speaking at Kaymu’s featured event at the SMW Lagos held yesterday, 25th February at Terra Kulture, Managing Director of Kaymu, Evangeline stated, “If you provide valuable content to your community they will pay for you to keep providing it”.

The ongoing war between former president Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan took a remarkable turn yesterday during the 90th birthday celebration of ex-leader Shehu Shagari in Sokoto, as Obasanjo avoided the president.

It was reported that Obasanjo arrived when President Goodluck Jonathan was inside Shehu Shagari’s house but refused to come out of his vehicle until Goodluck Jonathan had finished and left.

2012 to us in Kogi was harrowing and a devastating experience - Awoniyi

The Kogi State Government has described as a harrowing experience and very devastating the flood that ravaged the State in 2012.

The Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi, and Chairman Flood Relief Management Committee stated this when he received in audience a EU – Echo Evaluation Team that is in the State to assess and monitor the support it gave to the State during the 2012 Flood.

Awoniyi disclosed that the State has since put in place a city structure plan in partnership with the UN – Habitat as a mantra for physical development of the State after the flood.

Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has denied allegation that he has rented a crowd to boo the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rted) during his presentation at the Chatham House, London, on Thursday.

He took to micro-blogging site-Twitter to deny the allegation, stating that “My attention has been drawn to a story that I am renting a crowd to embarrass Gen. Buhari at Chatham House later today. It is a lie,” via his handle, @realFFK.

More than one week after air bombardment and ground tactical operations commenced deep inside the dreaded Sambisa forest, the nation’s Special Forces have failed to locate the more than 200 students kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014, from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State.

Military sources said Special Operations Forces, who raided parts of the forest last week soon after war planes bombarded the wooded area to neutralise the insurgents, including dozens of landmines and other bobby-traps that the terrorists used to secure the area, could not trace the missing girls and all efforts to find them in the area have been fruitless.

Topic: Our Dressing Speaks [Thursday February 26, 2015]

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel…” - 1 Timothy 2:9

God is a fashionable God and He is interested in what we wear because our dressing matters to Him. He wants us to represent Him on earth, even in our dressing. We understand from scriptures that He is clothed in splendour, glory, and majesty. This is why everything around Him speaks royalty and He has made us just like Him.

God first designed cloths for Adam and Eve when they discovered that they were naked. They tried to design something for themselves but it was not good enough, so He designed one that was durable and that covered them appropriately.

DCLM Daily Manna, Thursday February 26, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi - Watch Over That White Linen

Topic: Watch Over That White Linen [Thursday February 26, 2015]

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:1-7

Key Verse: “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

It is a common saying among atribal people of the West African coast that “he that is arrayed in a white apparel should be careful to avoid walking in miry, dusty roads lest he has mud splashed upon him and his clothe be stained, and spoils his parade.” A little stain of sin could spoil and distort the testimony of good living established over many years.

Our text emphasizes how sin can destroy the testimony of the righteous. It is wisdom on the part of the believer to remain faithful and steadfast in his relationship with God. Backsliding brings reproach, shame and dishonour.

Topic: Lamentation as Praise! [Thursday February 26, 2015]

Memorise: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalm 30:5

Read: (Psalm 30:7-12 KJV)

7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

Postponement of Polls by INEC: Decision to enable common sense prevail - Awoniyi

The Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi, has disclosed that the decision to shift the earlier scheduled February election was a decision taken by INEC to enable common sense prevail.
Yomi Awoniyi stated this when he received in audience the National PDP Professionals and Business Group, Kogi State chapter who paid him a sensitization visit.

Awoniyi disclosed that the current success the military has made regarding security in it's fight against insurgency, shows that the postponement was well conceived.

There is a popular saying as well as an acknowledged fact that when there is continuity in Governance the mission continues and the light will endure.

Nigerian politicians are noted for vengeance and abandoning projects hitherto initiated by their predecessors and will prefer to start new ones.

A Newspaper was quoted in its editorial to have said, “In the last decade, a State in Nigeria has had successive confused governments that worked hard to erase any trace of previous governments particularly in its educational policies".

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that its membership card destroyed by former president Olusegun Obasanjo was an expired one and not the valid one which is still in his (Obasanjo’s) possession.

This was disclosed by the national secretary of the PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo, while receiving some student union leaders under the aegis of Student Mobilisation Network Group, (SMNG) from the University of Abuja.

Topic: Given to Service [Wednesday February 25, 2015]

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
- 1 Peter 2:9

As a minister’s wife, you are peculiar, very important, special, unusual, positively strange, and uniquely favoured by God. You occupy a very distinct position and have been given the grace to carry out effectively your task as assigned by God. You should know that God does not make mistakes and for every position He places you, you have been endowed with divine capacity to function maximally.

However, many times, we may feel that we have put in too much and have reaped little, or that people don’t appreciate the effort we are putting into this wonderful office given to us. Some might even think they are not accorded the same respect as their husbands, despite all their efforts in Kingdom service. You should know that you are not called into a competition, neither are you there to outdo another.

DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday February 25, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi - Divine Anointment

Topic: Divine Anointment [Wednesday February 25, 2015]

Text: Matthew 3:13-17

Key Verse: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

There are five lessons we learn from the comportment of our Lord Jesus Christ on His baptism by John the Baptist. To begin with, Jesus humbly submitted to the lesser who thought it strange to baptize his Master. We learn that all brethren should “submit one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21).

Jesus did not give Himself up for water baptism by immersion because He repented of sin and must comply with the instructions that converts be baptized. He did it to associate with John’s ministry as His forerunner and to show us example to follow on the question of water baptism.

Stephen Keshi has said he could lead Burkina Faso to the World Cup just as he has done with Togo and Nigeria.

Keshi is the front runner for the vacant Burkina Faso top coaching post after Belgian coach Paul Put was fired at the end of a disappointing 2015 AFCON campaign in Equatorial Guinea, where the Stallions failed to win a match two years after they reached the championship game in South Africa.

“My ambitions remain the same from one national team to another. I don’t want to have the job just to have the job but to bring a real plus,” Keshi told Sidwaya Sport of Burkina Faso.

Metro Bus, sister company to Metro Taxi and subsidiary of Philly and Mools Group has just launched a Hundred Air conditioned buses to run designated routes in the Lagos Metropolis.

The launch which took place at LASTMA yard Oshodi, had the presence of the Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola, Commissioner for Transportation ,Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Niyi Oguntoyinbo, Group CEO Philly and Mools and MD of LAGBUS, Mr Babatunde Disu.

As a parent, your task is to MAKE your children, not BREAK them. No excuse is good enough as to why any parent should be ok with tearing their children down instead of building them up and speaking life into them.

I tend to hear many parents who make comments like, “Well, that’s how I was raised. I was beaten, spoken to anyhow and look at me; I turned out just fine”. Or so you think. When I ask them if they liked being treated that way, not one person ever says “yes”.

The fact that you were raised that way does not make it the right kind of training. In fact, I personally believe that if it did happen to you, you have more reasons why you should not do the same to your children. Don’t make them pay for the pain you may have experienced… otherwise, they too may continue that cycle.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has loomed very large for over a decade to the extent that any serious discussion of the country’s problems without a mention of her name is like a practice of the Christian religion without regard to the Ten Commandments. Armed with a royal pedigree, a motherly look, and intimidating credentials, it has been easy for Iweala to also assume a unique audacity to make any claim on the Nigerian leadership, however feigned. But none is more perplexing than her reigning notion which profoundly promotes strong institutions as the sole antidote to the Nigeria’s endemic corruption.

The hoopla on the relationship between institutions and corruption gained full currency in the Nigerian political waters since the first visit of US President Barack Obama to Sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking in Ghana on July 11, 2009, Obama made headlines when he proclaimed that, "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.”

Saturday, 28 February 2015

Friday, 27 February 2015

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Wednesday, 25 February 2015